New take of an old tradition

K.C. Hall was born in Bella Bella, in Heiltsuk Nation territory on the central coast of BC. He belongs to the House of Wakas and descends from noted Heiltsuk artist Chief Robert Bell. 

His work blends graffiti art with traditional formline (the term formline refers to the continuous swelling and tapering lines that unite design units in Northwest Coast Indigenous art. It is one of the most distinct characteristics of Haida two-dimensional and three-dimensional art, painting as well as carving) and Heiltsuk language and meaning to create a style of his own.

 

Clinton Work was born in 1975 in Campbell River, BC. He is of Kwakwaka’wakw descent. He began learning Kwakwaka’wakw art and history at a young age, studying early Kwak’wala language and applying traditional stories to his artwork in his childhood. During the 1990’s, he apprenticed with the Nanaimo-based artist Phil Ashbee, and worked with him to create a major installation for the Port Theater in 2000. In 2005, he trained with the Saulteaux artist Kelvin Thompson who taught him how to carve silver and gold. Clinton continues to create some of the most interesting and unique jewelry in the Northwest.